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Ohio charters misspend millions

In case any of our fine legislators are hoping to follow Ohio’s lead… “No sector — not local governments, school districts, court systems, public universities or hospitals — misspends tax dollars like charter schools in Ohio.” “A Beacon Journal review of 4,263 audits released last year by State Auditor Dave Yost’s office indicates charter schools misspend public money nearly four times more often than any other type of taxpayer-funded agency. “Since 2001, state auditors have uncovered $27.3 million improperly spent by charter schools, many run by for-profit companies, enrolling thousands of children and producing academic results that rival...
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KS ranks high in student achievement, low in spending

“The latest release of national reports on education achievement and funding show that Kansas continues to rank among the top states in student success, while spending less than any other high ranking state. “Kansas ranks eighth in the nation based on the most recent data for high school graduation rates for 2013, NAEP reading and math tests for 2013, and the percent of young adults with postsecondary education completion for 2012. “In spending, Kansas ranked 27th out of the 50 states in total revenue per pupil from all sources, according to a new report released by the U.S....
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School choice provision added to tax bill

We haven’t posted much about “school choice” lately because the legislature appeared to have its hands full with budget/tax issues, moving elections, limiting teacher negotiations and threatening the courts, but Capitol press corps members yesterday reported on Twitter that in the Republican caucus Rep. Bradford asked about a school choice provision and wants it inserted into the tax bill. Apparently a promise has been made to include it. There is abundant research on massive problems with expansion of charters, vouchers, and in Kansas, it would be particularly ironic to start funneling public funds to nonpublic schools when we’re...
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